Despite Previously Dismissing It, Vulnerable Dem Senator Now Promotes Border Wall in New Ad: 'Effective Solution'

Despite his past opposition to wall construction, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., is being criticized by his Republican opponent for images in a campaign ad that depict the border wall as a means of securing the southern border.

In a recent ad, Casey claims to have voted 25 times to secure the border, with the backdrop on the screen showing the border wall and Trump-era wall construction.

The Harris campaign, like others, has displayed images of the border wall in their advertisements, even though they have halted most wall construction.

The Democratic senator has a history of mostly opposition to the wall, with him stating in 2019 that building a wall is a waste of money and that the U.S. should be investing in border infrastructure and security technology at ports of entry, where most illegal smuggling happens.

Casey stated on X that President Trump won't receive a concrete or steel wall along the entire border, never, ever, ever, ever.

Casey stated in an interview that year that if President Trump truly wants to put an end to illegal drugs, he should cease discussing the construction of an ineffective wall and instead focus on increasing staff and implementing round-the-clock surveillance of vehicle inspections.

Casey opposed a border security agreement that granted permanent residency to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors in exchange for wall funding.

Casey's voting history indicates support for the Biden administration's decision to halt border wall construction in early 2021. He consistently voted against Republican measures that blocked the cancellation of wall contracts and opposed the House GOP border security bill, which included funding for the wall. Additionally, he voted against an amendment in 2022 that replaced funding for a chief readiness support officer with $500 million for border wall construction.

In 2006, Casey backed a border fence, but later opposed several funding amendments for fences.

This year, Casey has backed a bipartisan border security measure that would boost funding for the border and restrict asylum entries into the U.S. The measure has gained support from the Biden administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris. The bill includes a small amount of border wall funding, but only a small fraction of the billions that were previously requested by former President Trump.

Casey was accused of lying about his record by his Senate seat challenger, Dave McCormick, in the ads.

"Bob Casey is once again lying to the commonwealth. He is weak and desperate to conceal his extreme record of opposing a wall, supporting open borders, and allowing the flood of fentanyl into the country. Pennsylvanians are tired of the liberal hypocrisy and need a strong leader who will fight every day to complete the wall, secure the border, and safeguard our communities."

Casey's campaign defended his record on the border by highlighting his support for a bipartisan 2013 immigration reform bill, which proposed adding 700 miles of fencing to the border and providing a pathway to citizenship for some illegal immigrants.

Casey has advocated for various border security measures, such as electronic verification systems, emergency funding for security, and Border Patrol hiring, as well as a 2023 appropriations bill with $10.7 billion in funding and a 2021 amendment to establish a deficit-neutral reserve for immigration enforcement.

Kate Smart, spokesperson for Sen. Casey, stated that the senator has voted over 25 times to safeguard our border, collaborating with Republicans to erect physical barriers, recruit additional Border Patrol officers, and invest in advanced border security technology to halt the illicit flow of fentanyl and ensure the safety of Pennsylvanians.

McCormick opposed the bipartisan bill introduced this year, calling it a "capitulation" that would perpetuate high levels of illegal immigration.

Smart stated that David McCormick opposed the strongest border security bill in recent history, which was supported by Border Patrol agents and authored by members of his own party, because he prioritizes playing politics over ensuring the safety of Pennsylvanians.

Despite previously claiming the southern border wall proposed by former President Trump was "racist," Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas, featured the wall in a recent Senate campaign ad.

Planet Chronicle' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report.